People & Inspiration

In Focus: She Acts, Does CrossFit, Breastfeeds, And More. How Does Marian Rivera Do It, Really?

Aside from keeping up with the demands of her acting career, Marian Rivera juggles all of that with motherhood. It’s definitely far from easy but it brings her so much joy, saying, “Priceless kapag nanay ka. Iba talaga.”

Why did she make it to our WHIP list even? It’s a no-brainer! This celebrity mom’s independence, hardworking attitude, and unrestricted character (which she says she got from her role model—her grandma!) never fail to amaze us in so many ways! Here's how she does it!

Marian accepts her weaknesses, flaws, and shortcomings in life. “From the beginning, alam ko namang hindi ako perfect at tanggap ko ‘yun,” Marian revealed at the Mega Prime's Prime Mom Club. This, she said, is essential to her personality development as she braves all the hurt and bashing that come with celebrity.

Marian doesn’t mind the critics! Since she entered the entertainment world, she has learned to balance her emotional sensitivity. For her, what matters most are the people she’s surrounded with. “Ang maganda diyan, pumunta ka doon sa circle of friends mo na hahatakin ka pataas,” she explained, adding that these are the people responsible for her confidence-building. She continued, “Kung ang bawat tao, pipintas at pipintas sa’yo at lahat yun, i-a-absorb mo, walang mangyayari sayo.” Since it’s quite impossible to debunk every rumor and criticism about her, she just focuses on the positive and the people who help her bring out the best version of herself. “Yun ang mahalaga talaga,” she declared.

Marian empowers her fellow women in her own way. A breastfeeding advocate, she constantly reminds women there’s nothing wrong with it. Having breastfed for two and a half years involved commitment and discipline but she believes it’s part of being a mother. “Para sa anak mo, kung mayroon ka at maibibigay mo, why not?” She stressed, however, that she respects women who choose not to breastfeed. “May dahilan sila kung bakit ayaw nila [mag-breastfeed] pero basta ako, para sa anak ko, gagawin ko yan.”

Marian stays fit and healthy. For her, self-love is key to motherhood success and that includes taking care of herself! After giving birth to Zia, she decided to take her health and fitness goals to the next level. She engages in CrossFit workouts almost every day and eats healthier. It’s interesting to note that she does this not to be labeled as a “hot momma” but to be able to give 100% to her daughter. “This time na may Zia ako, I want to be healthy. Hindi dahil para ‘sexy’ ako. It’s for my Z.”

Of all these, Marian remains thankful for all the challenges that come her way. “Kung anong naranasan mo, ipagpasalamat mo,” she said. Challenges strengthen courage and patience, change perspectives, and help people grow. All the difficulties she has encountered in life have undoubtedly molded Marian into the WHIP she is today!